About Section 17

Section 17 of Children Act 1989 states that the local authority has a responsibility towards children 'in need' in their area. It is a form of support available from social services and is available to everyone, including to families who have NRPF.

Below are resources to help you request Section 17 support.

• Section 17 flowchart
• Section 17 support factsheet: aimed at advisors and caseworkers
• Guide to section 17 support for families: aimed at families with NRPF
• Risks to accessing support factsheet
• Possible evidence checklist
• Template section 17 referral form
• How to make a robust section 17 referral
• Asylum Support and Section 17 factsheet

The below example templates may help clarify a family's circumstances. Professionals may want to create similar tables summarising a family's circumstances to strengthen a referral:

• Accommodation spreadsheet example
• Support from friends summary
• Expenses spreadsheet
• Prompt questions for expenses spreadsheet

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a case, please call our advice line on 07701 330 016.

Click here to learn more about the other support available for families with NRPF.